Gene Stratton-Porter: Novelist and Naturalist

by Judith Reick Long

When Gene Stratton-Porter died in 1924, she was one of America’s most popular novelists and the best-known Indiana author. In this first complete account of Stratton-Porter’s life, Judith Reick Long reveals the author of sentimental and simple nature tales as a much more complex individual than she has heretofore been considered.

Genres: Biography, Nature

286 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1990

Reviews

[Kristen Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It seems a little unfair for me to "rate" this book, as the author is my own mother. What I can say is this: I have read this book multiple times...not because I have a particular affinity for Gene Stratton-Porter, but more so that I have a desire to still hear my mother's voice...even after all these years. She poured her heart and soul, along with countless hours of research and verification, into this book. She wanted to make sure it was "right." That's how she was. And it took her over 20 years to make sure she had it "right".
I remember as a child being dragged to antiquarian book stores and taught how to look for first editions. It was the ultimate treasure hunt. I also remember on one of these hunts, my mother found a book called "The Strike at Shane's" - a book originally published under a pseudo-name, but -- thanks to my mother -- discovered to be an early novel written by Porter.
Whether you like this book or not, it is a researched and authenticated portrait of Gene Stratton-Porter's life.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really appreciated this look at GSP. I found it especially interesting because she’s from the town I live in and have visited her 2 homes so I was able to envision the scenes. Now I feel like I finally know this author whose works I enjoy.

[Diane Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of this Indiana author since my teen years, having read Freckles and A Girl of the Limberlost at that time. In more recent years I read The Keeper of the Bees. I am an Indiana Audobon Member and love looking for wildflowers and trees and birds. I have visited both Indiana homes of Gene Stratton -Porter . The Limberlost in Geneva and Wildflower Woods in Rome City on Sylvan Lake. Through these excursions I became acquainted with her naturalist ability . I was fascinated by this thorough biography of a very independent woman who was highly successful as an author and woman.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I vaguely remember reading Freckles and Girl of the Limberlost when I was a kid. Sunday I toured her home in Rome City...very cool. She was quite progressive for her time and very accomplished. Great read so far!

[Mona · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always loved Gene Stratton Porter's books, especially her strong heroines. This biography debunks some of the myths she made about herself, while still celebrating her nonconforming, strong-willed and creative life.

[Elizabeth Gajdosik · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book helps establish the history and timeline of Gene Stratton-Porter, but rather lacks insight into the character of that woman. I understand the difficulty in writing about and researching a deceased person, a person who in life was naturally private herself, and so I believe this book would have benefitted from less conjecture and sentiment and more focus on fixed facts.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very readable biography of an interesting author. Since I enjoy most of Gene Stratton-Porter's books, it was interesting to see how her life fueled her writing.

[Barbara Wellnitz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting - and timely as I read this when a robin built a nest just off my front porch and has now been sitting on it for over a week.

[Lisa Galleguillos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the most polished or well written biography, but the details of Gene Stratton-Porter's life are so fascinating that those things didn't matter so much to me.

[Chyna Skye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting woman, especially for her time.

[Madelyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gene Stratton-Porter has long been a family favorite at my house. I few years ago I got this book from the library and started reading. At the time I wasn't a big fan of biographies. The author did a good job writing about Porter's life. It wasn't like some biographies I've read where they just list fact after fact. It read like a good story and was very informational. If you live in Indiana (like I do), I would definitely take advantage of going to see her house after reading this. She actually has 2 homes in Indiana, but I've only had the chance to visit one of them.

[Traci · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finally picked this back up and finished it. It was a good biography, but sometimes I think it is difficult when you find the flesh and blood person behind the shadowy assumptions. I love Gene Stratton-Porter's books, and I wanted to love her just as much, but I didn't and that makes me a little sad.

[Graceann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gene Stratton-Porter is one of my favorite novelists, so it was interesting to me to see what made her tick. She was a fascinating lady, and Judith Rieck-Long takes an even-handed look at her life and her accomplishments.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought I'd like this better than I did. I hate it when that happens to a bio of an author I like. Sigh. I still love several of Stratton-Porter's books, but I did not enjoy finding out all about Stratton-Porter like I had hoped I would